DSWD gives livelihood assistance to brgy organizations

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 distributed a total of P2.5 million of livelihood assistance to various accredited organizations in Cebu City.

Yesterday, 307 members of barangay organizations, mostly women-oriented, received P10,000 each, intended for them to start a small business.

The said amount though would need to be paid back within two years, explained DSWD Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat.

"If mo-succeed ang negosyo within two years, naay additional nga P30,000 bonus and P70,000 housing program," added Jabagat.

The DSWD partnered with Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) to monitor the businesses of the beneficiaries.

Barangay Kasambagan received the highest amount out of the P2.5 million with P300,000, followed by barangays Lusaran with P250,000, Buhisan with P240,000, Labangon with P220,000 and Cabangcalan with P200,000.

Barangays Babag and Mabolo also got P180,000 each, while Kalunasan got P160,000 and barangays Guba, Carreta, and Adlaon were given P113,000 each.

Barangays Buot, Talamban and Luz got P110,000, P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.

The "Labangon PWD" association, which had the most number of beneficiaries, was separately given P57,000 by DSWD.

Associations of the barangays that received the cash aid from DSWD were; Kasambagan Livelihood, Lusaran Pundok, Paglaum association of Buhisan, Mauswagon association of Labangon, Kauswagan sa Cabangcalan association, Mauswagong Tagbalay sa Babag association, Mabolo Creeks association and Maayo na association of barangay Guba.

Barangay Carreta's SNP Livelihood also received the cash aid, as well as Adlaon Livelihood, Kasaligan Group in Kalunasan, Buot Livelihood, Talamban Livelihood and Luz Livelihood.

The identification of the recipients of the assistance was facilitated by DSWS. Qualifications of the beneficiaries included being members of women organizations in their respective barangays as well as having undergone the sustainable training program spearheaded by DSWD. -Jean Marvette A. Demecillo, USJ-R Masscomm Intern/ATO  (FREEMAN)